Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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126. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way passports can be obtained in the event of an emergency for family members that have to travel abroad at short notice; if he will take into consideration that a number of persons do not have a passport or it may have expired and may need to travel abroad to bring home the remains of a loved one or may wish to visit a family member who is seriously ill in hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54356/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Emergency passports permitting travel abroad are issued only in circumstances where the Passport Service is satisfied, on the basis of the application and supporting evidence, that:the proposed journey is related to the death or serious injury or illness abroad of a close relative or a medical emergency relating to the applicant him/herself; and the presence of the applicant at the foreign location in connection with such an unexpected event is necessary or highly desirable; and the need to travel has arisen at short notice.

In such situations of genuine and unforeseen urgency an applicant will be seen immediately upon presentation at either the passport office in Dublin and Cork. No appointment is required.

Additionally, my Department provides a Duty Officer Service outside normal office hours to deal with matters requiring immediate attention, including the issue of passports in such circumstances.